World’s six most scenic routes
By Donna Heiderstadt, From Fodors
In a relaxation showdown amongst trains, planes, and automobiles, trains win as the most laidback style of travel, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Luckily, some of the world’s most beautiful destinations are also home to the most scenic train rides—journeys ranging from a few hours to more than a week, costing as little as two movie tickets or as much as a luxury cruise, and traversing terrain as dramatic as snow-capped peaks or orange-hued deserts. Here’s a look at 15 exceptionally scenic train rides.
DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD
Where: Colorado
You’ll climb 3,000 feet and travel 130 years back in time onboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a circa-1882 coal-fired, steam-operated train (the locomotives date to the 1920s) that chugs its way at 18 miles per hour (fueled by six tons of coal and 10,000 gallons of water) through the steep mountain passes between Durango and Silverton in southwest Colorado.
Fun fact: The train is featured in the 1969 movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford
TALYLLYN RAILWAY
Where: Wales
If the name, Great Little Trains of Wales, doesn’t charm you all on its own, then a 9 mph, 14.5-mile round-trip ride on the adorable narrow gauge, coal-fired Talyllyn Railway certainly will. Staffed by volunteers, the historic train (locomotives and carriages date to 1865) steams its way through the verdant Fathew Valley from Tywyn on a route originally used to carry slate from the area’s many mines.
Fun fact: It was the Talylyn Railway that inspired the Reverend W.V. Awdry to write the “Thomas the Tank Engine” books.
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER FROM BANFF TO VANCOUVER
Where: Canada
As you gain altitude onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a two-day rail journey from the mountain resort town of Banff in Alberta through the majestic Canadian Rockies to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, it’s also quite possible you might gain weight. Splurge on GoldLeaf Service and you’ll enjoy plentiful cooked-to-order breakfasts and lunches, served in the dining car, and unlimited cocktails and snacks served by personable hosts on the observation level. The passing scenery is just as irresistible.
Fun fact: In 2009, The Bachelorette (Jillian’s season) filmed onboard the train.
THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Where: Scotland
With a name like The Royal Scotsman, you might expect this exclusive 36-passenger train to be proper—but with textured plaid and polished wood décor straight out of a Highlands country estate it’s downright posh, too. Making journeys from Edinburgh around the Scottish Highlands, the vintage train passes serene lochs (lakes) and glens, ancient castles, babbling streams, and more pristine green countryside than you ever imagined possible.
Fun fact: Passengers can rent a kilt or have one custom-tailored to wear during the journey.
DOURO LINE
Where: Portugal
From early spring to late summer, during the time when the almond trees blossom in March and dramatically terraced grape vines burst with fruit in August, the circa-1887 Douro Line route from Porto to Pocinho is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Portugal’s verdant Douro River valley.
Fun fact: The river-hugging route crosses 30 bridges and passes through 26 tunnels as well as making stops at beautiful historic train stations, such as those at Régua and Pinhão.
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN FROM NAPA TO ST. HELENA
Where: California
How many varietals can you sip on the three-hour, 36-mile roundtrip lunch or dinner journey onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train as it winds its way from the Napa Valley’s main hub, Napa, to St. Helena? If you head to the Zinfandel Wine Tasting Lounge, you’ll have your pick—but first enjoy the passing sun-kissed vineyard views in the retro 1915-1917 Pullman dining car as you savor a freshly prepared three-course meal.
Fun fact: The Wine Train tracks were originally laid in the 1860s to bring guests to the hot springs resort town of Calistoga.
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